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Crime
Ludhiana FIR lodged after CM, MLA, Mayor’s photos featured in Ravana Dahan
✍️ Amar Ujala · Ludhiana
🗓 28 Oct 2026, 05:17 PM
👁 11
A first information report has been filed in Ludhiana alleging misuse of the chief minister’s, a legislator’s and the mayor’s photographs during a Ravana‑burning ceremony.
Punjab police registered a first information report (FIR) on Tuesday after a Ravana Dahan event in Ludhiana displayed photographs of the state chief minister, a local legislator and the city mayor. The complaint was lodged at the Ludhiana City Police Station, citing violation of the Model Code of Conduct and potential misuse of official images for a religious ritual.
According to the FIR, the photographs were prominently projected on a screen as part of the traditional effigy‑burning ceremony, which is observed annually to mark the conclusion of the Dussehra festival. Authorities argue that using the images of elected representatives in such a context could be construed as political endorsement of a religious act, thereby breaching electoral norms.
Police officials have not yet disclosed whether any formal statements have been obtained from the officials whose pictures were used. The investigation will focus on identifying the organizers of the event and determining whether any statutory provisions, including the Representation of the People Act, have been contravened.
Legal experts note that while Ravana Dahan is a culturally significant practice, the inclusion of political figures’ likenesses without consent may attract penalties under existing election and public order laws. The case remains under investigation, and further updates will be provided as it progresses.
According to the FIR, the photographs were prominently projected on a screen as part of the traditional effigy‑burning ceremony, which is observed annually to mark the conclusion of the Dussehra festival. Authorities argue that using the images of elected representatives in such a context could be construed as political endorsement of a religious act, thereby breaching electoral norms.
Police officials have not yet disclosed whether any formal statements have been obtained from the officials whose pictures were used. The investigation will focus on identifying the organizers of the event and determining whether any statutory provisions, including the Representation of the People Act, have been contravened.
Legal experts note that while Ravana Dahan is a culturally significant practice, the inclusion of political figures’ likenesses without consent may attract penalties under existing election and public order laws. The case remains under investigation, and further updates will be provided as it progresses.